some news

I attended a conference last weekend of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Had a fine time meeting people and attending sessions with greats like Mo Willems. Nicest bunch of people in this business.

AND, my portfolio was the grand prize winner for the conference. Wa-hoo!

inevitable

My daughter turns 11 next month. I've only got a few years left before this happens.

miss me?

It's been a while. Kinda busy. Meant to call.

blacker, and grey too

This is an old illustration I produced for an article on computer piracy. I'd love to do an entire children's book in just charcoal. (Any takers?) The medium is so fluid. And the grays can become gorgeous if done right.

the beauty of black

I vividly remember certain events as a boy that drove me to become an artist. The first time I pulled N C Wyeths 'Treasure Island' off the library shelves. Visiting Chicago's Palette and Chisel Club with my dad and feeling submerged in that lovely smell of oil paint.

Another powerful influence was seeing a reprint of an old Shadow pulp novel from the 40's. The simple, dramatic ink drawings were well designed and drawn. The two qualities I still must have in my own work before I am happy.

I was lucky enough at The Seattle Times years ago to illustrate a serial story in their Sunday magazine. For about a year I provided my own dark and dramatic pulp-inspired art each week.

Black can be lovely.